Insurance Blog
What You Should Know About Common Household Poisons
Each year, more than 2 million poisonings are reported to poison control centers across America. And according to the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), more than 90% of those poisonings occur at home.
To help you identify any potential poison risks in your home – and know what to do if a poisoning occurs – here’s what you should know about common household poisons.
Why Should I Be Aware of Household Poisons?
The average home contains dozens of chemical products, from medicine and cleaning products to insect repellent and spray paint.
When these products are used as intended, they can make our lives better and easier. But when used in the wrong way, by the wrong person or in the wrong amount, household poisons can cause an accidental poisoning.
How Can a Chemical or Medicine Poison You?
Poisonings often occur when you don’t expect it. According to the HRSA, there are four primary ways people can be accidentally poisoned:
- A poison is swallowed
- A poison is splashed in the eyes
- A poison comes in contact with the skin
- A poison is breathed in or inhaled
What are Some Common Household Poisons?
Here is a list of some products you might have in your home that have the potential be harmful if ingested:
- Chemical-based cleaning products
- Over-the-counter and prescription medications when not used as prescribed
- Vitamins and food supplements when used improperly
- Beauty products, such as perfumes, hairspray and nail polish remover
- Carbon monoxide gas created by cars or heating devices, like a gas stove or furnace
- Lawn products, including pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and fertilizer
- Automotive fluids, such as antifreeze, windshield washer fluid or motor oil
- Alcohol and tobacco products
How Can I Prevent Poisoning?
Knowing what substances in your home can cause harm is important, especially if you have children. According to the HRSA, 45% of all poison exposures involve children under the age of 6.
Here are some tips to prevent accidents from household poisons:
- Always keep chemical products and medications in their original containers.
- Never take medications in the dark and avoid leaving containers open—even to answer a quick phone call.
- Make sure you have carbon monoxide alarms installed in your home.
- Save the poison helpline as a contact in your phone so you have it in case of an emergency. The toll-free number is 1-800-222-1222.
- Poison-proof your home by keeping cleaning products, medications and other chemicals locked up and out of sight.
How Can I Poison-Proof My Home?
Since the vast majority of poison accidents happen at home, it’s important to take proper precautions to keep you and your family safe. Here are some tips from the HRSA on how to identify poison risks in each room of your house.
- Kitchen: Avoid using harsh commercial cleaning products on your food and be sure food items are stored at the proper temperature. Use child-proof cabinet locks to keep young children away from areas where they could access cleaning chemicals – like under the kitchen sink. And if you have a gas range, always make sure it’s off when not in use.
- Bedroom: Carbon monoxide can represent a real danger when you sleep, so be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector near bedrooms and your home’s furnace. Keep hand sanitizer out of reach from small children. And if you have pets or small children, make sure any houseplants you buy are non-toxic. Some plants, like lilies and ivy, can be toxic if touched or eaten.
- Garage: Carbon monoxide can be a threat in the garage, too. Never let your car idle without the garage door open. And keep any chemicals – as well as paint, antifreeze, oil and gasoline – out of the reach of children. (Read our related story on quick tips to organize your garage.)
- Bathroom: Since about half of all poison exposures involve medications and pharmaceuticals, be sure to keep your medicines locked up and away from children. Buy medications with child-resistant caps and always keep them in their original container.
How Can a Chemical or Medicine Poison You?
Poisonings often occur when you don’t expect it. According to the HRSA, there are four primary ways people can be accidentally poisoned:
- A poison is swallowed.
- A poison is splashed in the eyes.
- A poison comes in contact with the skin.
- A poison is breathed in or inhaled.
What Should I Do if Someone Has Been Poisoned?
If you suspect someone in your home has come in contact with a poison, it’s important to get help right away. If the person has trouble breathing or has lost consciousness, you should call 911 immediately. Do your best to stay calm and relay all the information you have to the dispatcher so they can send help quickly.
If the situation doesn’t appear to be immediately life threatening, you can call the poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222. This phone number will connect you to your local poison center, which provides access to a team of nurses, pharmacists and toxicologists—free of charge.
Be sure to give as much information to the poison helpline as possible, including:
- The name of the product or substance
- Age and weight of the victim
- Amount of poison
Then, the expert at the poison control center will give you the advice you need. And here’s a comforting fact: According to HRSA data, two-thirds of calls to the poison help line are controlled right where they occur – meaning most calls can be handled at home.
For more information and resources related to household poisons, you can also visit poisonhelp.hrsa.gov.
Is Your Home Protected?
Home is where you can rest easy, knowing your family is safe and secure. With Erie Insurance on your side, you can take comfort and enjoy the serenity that is home. To learn more about homeowners insurance from ERIE, or to get a no-obligation quote, find a local insurance agent near you.
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of January 2024 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.
Posted on 14 March 2024 | 9:00 pm
Organize Your Garage Like A Pro
Somewhere around 30% of all garages are used for household storage instead of vehicle parking, according to organizational experts.
If this sounds like you, it might be time to tackle the clutter. And you just might be able to organize your space and reclaim your parking spot. Here are some quick tips to help organize your garage and finally get that car inside.
Storage hacks to get your stuff off the floor
Sometimes half the battle is just finding homes for your things that are up and out of the way. Your local hardware store will have several great solutions, but there are plenty that you can accomplish with things you might already have around the house. Here are five of our favorites.
- Angled brackets on the wall are all it takes to create handy hangers for big, awkward items from lawn chairs to riding toys.
- Bungee cords will help you round up basketballs, soccer balls and more. Hook a few into sturdy surfaces and create a tidy spot, secure behind the cords.
- Mason jars or any other glass jars are the perfect places to stash small items like nails and screws.
- A magnetic strip secured to the wall can become your go-to spot for frequently used metal tools like scissors, screwdrivers and more. Make sure that all items have their sharp edges pointing in the same direction.
- Large baskets will help you round up otherwise scattered items like beach gear or snow toys.
Organizing for safety
If you walk through your garage every day, it’s easy to have a blind spot to potential dangers ranging from sharp tools to electrical hazards. Take a fresh look with common garage hazards in mind and start taking care of them.
- Store items securely. Improperly stored items like ladders that can topple or cords that can tangle are all potentially dangerous, particularly if you have young children. When storing heavy stuff, make sure your storage system can support the weight and your anchors are secure.
- Lock up your tools. Disconnect power tools when they’re not in use, and store them safely away to protect them from curious kids or burglars. Take care when storing sharp or pointy tools, too.
- Look after your lawnmower.Remove keys from lawn equipment and tractors to prevent kids from accidentally starting them.
- Inspect your garage door. Regularly test the auto-reverse mechanism to make sure it’s working as it should, and never let kids play with the garage door opener. Make sure the main garage door is locked and secured to prevent unauthorized access.
- Stock up on safety essentials. Equip your garage with must-haves including a fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, smoke alarm and a first aid kit.
- Spot tripping hazards. Spills and drips on the floor, such as sawdust or oil, can cause someone to slip and fall. While you’re at it, give your garage floor a once-over. Uneven cracks or large chunks of cement missing can present tripping hazards, too.
- Heat it safely. Never install a wood-burning stove in your garage, as this presents a serious hazard. Gasoline vapors from cars, lawnmowers or gas cans are heavier than air and travel along the floor. That means they could easily come in contact with sparks or embers from the wood-burning stove, resulting in a fire.
- Know what not to store. While you’re in cleaning mode, learn what to avoid storing in a garage, including propane tanks and other common threats.
- Brighten it up. No one wants to stumble around in the dark looking for a tool. A well-lit garage is a safe garage. (Bonus: Lighting up your space helps you show off all the spring cleaning you’ve been up to!)
Check in with your local ERIE agent to make sure your home and garage (and everything stored in them) are properly covered with homeowners insurance you can trust.
Somewhere around 30% of all garages are used for household storage instead of vehicle parking, according to organizational experts.
If this sounds like you, it might be time to tackle the clutter. And you just might be able to organize your space and reclaim your parking spot. Here are some quick tips to help organize your garage and finally get that car inside.
Storage hacks to get your stuff off the floor
Sometimes half the battle is just finding homes for your things that are up and out of the way. Your local hardware store will have several great solutions, but there are plenty that you can accomplish with things you might already have around the house. Here are five of our favorites.
- Angled brackets on the wall are all it takes to create handy hangers for big, awkward items from lawn chairs to riding toys.
- Bungee cords will help you round up basketballs, soccer balls and more. Hook a few into sturdy surfaces and create a tidy spot, secure behind the cords.
- Mason jars or any other glass jars are the perfect places to stash small items like nails and screws.
- A magnetic strip secured to the wall can become your go-to spot for frequently used metal tools like scissors, screwdrivers and more. Make sure that all items have their sharp edges pointing in the same direction.
- Large baskets will help you round up otherwise scattered items like beach gear or snow toys.
Organizing for safety
If you walk through your garage every day, it’s easy to have a blind spot to potential dangers ranging from sharp tools to electrical hazards. Take a fresh look with common garage hazards in mind and start taking care of them.
- Store items securely. Improperly stored items like ladders that can topple or cords that can tangle are all potentially dangerous, particularly if you have young children. When storing heavy stuff, make sure your storage system can support the weight and your anchors are secure.
- Lock up your tools. Disconnect power tools when they’re not in use, and store them safely away to protect them from curious kids or burglars. Take care when storing sharp or pointy tools, too.
- Look after your lawnmower.Remove keys from lawn equipment and tractors to prevent kids from accidentally starting them.
- Inspect your garage door. Regularly test the auto-reverse mechanism to make sure it’s working as it should, and never let kids play with the garage door opener. Make sure the main garage door is locked and secured to prevent unauthorized access.
- Stock up on safety essentials. Equip your garage with must-haves including a fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, smoke alarm and a first aid kit.
- Spot tripping hazards. Spills and drips on the floor, such as sawdust or oil, can cause someone to slip and fall. While you’re at it, give your garage floor a once-over. Uneven cracks or large chunks of cement missing can present tripping hazards, too.
- Heat it safely. Never install a wood-burning stove in your garage, as this presents a serious hazard. Gasoline vapors from cars, lawnmowers or gas cans are heavier than air and travel along the floor. That means they could easily come in contact with sparks or embers from the wood-burning stove, resulting in a fire.
- Know what not to store. While you’re in cleaning mode, learn what to avoid storing in a garage, including propane tanks and other common threats.
- Brighten it up. No one wants to stumble around in the dark looking for a tool. A well-lit garage is a safe garage. (Bonus: Lighting up your space helps you show off all the spring cleaning you’ve been up to!)
Check in with your local ERIE agent to make sure your home and garage (and everything stored in them) are properly covered with homeowners insurance you can trust.
Somewhere around 30% of all garages are used for household storage instead of vehicle parking, according to organizing professionals.
If this sounds like you, it might be time to tackle the clutter. And you just might be able to organize your space and reclaim your parking spot. Here are some quick tips to help organize your garage and finally get that car inside.
Storage Hacks to Get Your Stuff Off the Floor
Sometimes half the battle is just finding homes for your things that are up and out of the way. Your local hardware store will have several great solutions, but there are plenty that you can accomplish with things you might already have around the house. Here are five of our favorites.
- Angled brackets on the wall are all it takes to create handy hangers for big, awkward items from lawn chairs to riding toys.
- Bungee cords will help you round up basketballs, soccer balls and more. Hook a few into sturdy surfaces and create a tidy spot, secure behind the cords.
- Mason jars or any other glass jars are the perfect places to stash small items like nails and screws.
- A magnetic strip secured to the wall can become your go-to spot for frequently used metal tools like scissors, screwdrivers and more. Make sure that all items have their sharp edges pointing in the same direction.
- Large baskets will help you round up otherwise scattered items like beach gear or snow toys.
Organizing for Safety
If you walk through your garage every day, it’s easy to have a blind spot to potential dangers ranging from sharp tools to electrical hazards. Take a fresh look with common garage hazards in mind and start taking care of them.
- Store items securely. Improperly stored items like ladders that can topple or cords that can tangle are all potentially dangerous, particularly if you have young children. When storing heavy stuff, make sure your storage system can support the weight and your anchors are secure.
- Lock up your tools. Disconnect power tools when they’re not in use, and store them safely away to protect them from curious kids or burglars. Take care when storing sharp or pointy tools, too.
- Look after your lawnmower.Remove keys from lawn equipment and tractors to prevent kids from accidentally starting them.
- Inspect your garage door. Regularly test the auto-reverse mechanism to make sure it’s working as it should, and never let kids play with the garage door opener. Make sure the main garage door is locked and secured to prevent unauthorized access.
- Stock up on safety essentials. Equip your garage with must-haves including a fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, smoke alarm and a first aid kit.
- Spot tripping hazards. Spills and drips on the floor, such as sawdust or oil, can cause someone to slip and fall. While you’re at it, give your garage floor a once-over. Uneven cracks or large chunks of cement missing can present tripping hazards, too.
- Heat it safely. Never install a wood-burning stove in your garage, as this presents a serious hazard. Gasoline vapors from cars, lawnmowers or gas cans are heavier than air and travel along the floor. That means they could easily come in contact with sparks or embers from the wood-burning stove, resulting in a fire.
- Know what not to store. While you’re in cleaning mode, learn what to avoid storing in a garage, including propane tanks and other common threats.
- Brighten it up. No one wants to stumble around in the dark looking for a tool. A well-lit garage is a safe garage. (Bonus: Lighting up your space helps you show off all the spring cleaning you’ve been up to!)
Check in with your local ERIE agent to make sure your home and garage (and everything stored in them) are properly covered with homeowners insurance you can trust.
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of January 2024 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.
Posted on 10 March 2024 | 9:00 pm
Solar Eclipse Safety: 3 Things To Know
Here comes the sun…
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross over parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada. United States cities from Texas to Maine are considered to be in the “path of totality,” including Erie, Pennsylvania, where Erie Insurance’s Home Office is located.
While a solar eclipse doesn’t bring the type of immediate destruction you’d see from other natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes or floods, it does present some unique risks.
Here’s how to make this eclipse viewing an enjoyable (and safe) experience.
1. Don’t look directly at the sun.
The human eye is extremely sensitive. Staring at even the smallest sliver of the visible sun can cause permanent eye damage.
Before you buy those on-trend eclipse viewing glasses, make sure they’re the real deal. Regular sunglasses simply don’t offer the same level of protection, and some scammers are trying to pass knock-offs as the real thing.
The American Astronomical Society has verified several manufacturers that offer options when looking to purchase proper eye protection for the big event.
2. Keep your eyes on the road.
Our 2016 study of Twitter and Instagram data showed that people stare at the sky #whiledriving… even when there’s not an eclipse going on. So, we can only imagine how Eclipse Day drivers will act.
If you live close to the path of totality—that’s eclipse-speak for the best visibility line—expect traffic jams from visitors. And if you happen to be on the road during the big moment, be extra cautious and drive defensively.
3. Renting out your home? Check your liability coverage.
“Solar eclipse vacations” are a white-hot trend. If you own a home in the path of totality, you might already know there’s a demand for tourists to crash at your place via a short-term rental website (like Airbnb).
But before you look to cash in on the opportunity, ask your insurance agent if your homeowner’s insurance policy is currently set up to protect you from the unique liability or property damage risks that come from renting out your home.
On April 8, enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime view! And remember: rain or shine, your Erie Insurance agent is here for you. Find an ERIE agent in your neighborhood today.
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of January 2024 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.
Posted on 6 March 2024 | 9:00 pm
Is Life Insurance Taxable?
Life insurance is a great way to ensure financial security for your loved ones. However, one question that often arises is whether or not life insurance proceeds are taxable. In general, life insurance proceeds are not taxable, but there are some exceptions to the rule, so let’s explore how different types of policies may be treated for tax purposes.
When Is Life Insurance Not Taxable?
The simple rule of thumb is this: in most cases, life insurance proceeds are not taxable when received by the beneficiary.
Like spousal inheritance and personal gifts (subject to IRS limitations), the death benefit is commonly considered to be a tax-free inheritance. The beneficiary does not report the proceeds as income on their tax return because the proceeds are not subject to federal or state income tax.
So, When Is It Taxable?
Although life insurance proceeds are usually not taxable, there are some exceptions to this rule. Some situations where life insurance may be taxable include:
Interest income
If the beneficiary chooses to receive the death benefit in installments rather than as a lump sum, any interest earned on the installments is taxable as income. While the original amount may be exempt, interest earned is treated separately.
Estate tax
If the insured person's estate is subject to estate tax, the death benefit may be included in the estate's value and could be subject to estate tax. This can happen if the policyholder has incidents of ownership in the policy at the time of their death. Incidents of ownership can include the right to change the beneficiary, borrow against the policy or cancel the policy. If the deceased person had any of these rights, the life insurance proceeds may be included in their taxable estate.
Transfer-for-value
If the policy is transferred to another person in exchange for cash or other valuable consideration, some of the benefit may be considered taxable under a rule known as “transfer-for-value.” Once the policy is exchanged for some other item of value, a formula is applied to determine how much of the benefit will be taxed.
Does Policy Type Matter?
While the circumstances under which the benefit is received can determine taxability, the tax treatment does not generally depend on the type of policy. Whether you have a term life, whole life or another type of policy, taxes still do not generally apply. However, it is essential to understand the tax implications of any specific policy features or riders that may affect the tax treatment of the death benefit.
Tax or No Tax, Stay Insured
Even if there are some situations where proceeds may be taxable, the financial security of a life insurance policy will make a big difference to your loved ones — a difference you can quickly see by using our handy life insurance calculator. As always, consult with a tax professional or financial advisor to determine the best financial outcome, but it’s important to always maintain ample coverage that meets your needs.
At Erie Insurance, we’ll make sure you get the coverage your family deserves. Talk to a local ERIE agent today to learn more about how we can help your family find peace of mind.
ERIE life insurance products and services are provided by Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home office Erie, PA), a member of Erie Insurance Group, and are not available in New York.
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of January 2024 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.
Posted on 5 March 2024 | 9:00 pm
Am I Covered When Using Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing?
During the pandemic, a scarcity – and resulting high costs – of rental cars paved the way for a surge in peer-to-peer (P2P) vehicle sharing. Think of it like AirBnBⓇ for your car. No more standing in line at rental car agencies only to find there are no cars for your reservation. Open an app, find a car near you that someone else owns and off you go!
While these peer-to-peer networks offer convenience and sometimes cost savings, they also pose some risks regarding insurance coverage. Before you drive a P2P vehicle or put yours out there for hire, it’s in your best interest to understand what is and is not covered by your vehicle insurance.
What is P2P Vehicle Sharing?
Today, you can rent almost anything from other people – houses, recreational vehicles, even swimming pools. Vehicle sharing has grown rapidly over the past five years, with new companies popping up all over the world, especially in larger cities. P2P vehicles are easy to locate and can offer savings over rental car company counterparts.
Unlike rental car companies that provide categories of cars, P2P apps show you the exact car that you can rent, and many offer luxury models. No need to wait in line at an airport or local rental office; P2P vehicles can be picked up at convenient locations.
But like deciding whether to stay at a hotel during a vacation or book a P2P spot, it’s important to consider the risks and rewards of your options. Price and convenience may not be the only factors in play. P2P services may include hidden costs and risks, so taking the time to read the fine print may prevent surprise charges.
Are You Covered as a Host?
An often overlooked reality is that if you offer your car on a P2P app, most personal auto insurance policies will not cover the vehicle while it’s being used in a car sharing program.
“Erie Insurance – and most other insurance companies – have had exclusions in place long before P2P apps became popular,” says Scott Cronk, product development manager at Erie Insurance. “Those exclusions preclude coverage while a vehicle is being used in an auto business such as renting or leasing the vehicle out for others to use. Several states have enacted legislation that further defines and clarifies what peer-to-peer car sharing is. As a result, insurance carriers, including ERIE, are adding or bolstering their existing policy language to exclude coverage for this type of exposure.”
Scott says the risks are too great for insurance companies to cover on a personal auto policy for a few reasons:
- Driving records of renters are unpredictable;
- Drop-off and pick-up locations can add risk; and
- Renters may be unfamiliar with an area, which may increase the risk of accidents.
Many P2P organizations offer insurance to vehicle hosts for a fee. Some hosts, like this Turo user, have had positive experiences with P2P platform coverage after a claim. Remember, as a host, you must choose P2P coverage because your personal auto insurance will not cover your for-rent vehicle while being used on the P2P platform.
If you have had a bad experience as a P2P host, the Federal Trade Commission recommends reporting it.
Are You Covered as a Renter?
If you rent a car through a P2P platform and are involved in an accident, managing insurance coverage can become more complex.
“In general,” says Scott, “the drivers own auto insurance policy will cover them when they rent a vehicle for personal use. When you rent a vehicle and purchase coverage through the rental agency or P2P platform, even more fine print comes into play. Rental contracts describe in detail what they may or may not cover, and do not offer as broad of coverage as your own auto policy. Many people ignore these details up front and may end up frustrated by the results after a claim.”
Scenario: You rent and do not opt for additional coverage.
If you rent a vehicle while on vacation and opt out of additional insurance coverage through the P2P platform, typically the broadest coverages that you’ve selected for your own vehicle transfer to the rental vehicle, including deductibles, liability, comprehensive and collision options.
If you’re involved in an accident in a P2P vehicle and only have liability coverage on your policy, you could be responsible for damage to the P2P rental. The coverage limits that you’ve selected on your own policy also apply, so if your limits are less than the damages, you could be responsible for the difference.
Scenario: You rent and you choose coverage through the P2P company.
If you choose an added layer of insurance protection through the P2P app, again, review the details. Rental insurance often is classified as “secondary” or “excess” insurance. This means that the added coverage will pay claims after your personal insurance has reached its limits.
Scott says that the additional coverage often will not pay the “first dollar” toward a claim, which means your insurance will pay first.
And if you use a credit card that has rental insurance vehicle coverage, a third entity may enter the “who pays first” discussion.
“When a P2P claim is made, insurance adjusters from each company may become involved and policy reviews will determine which companies pay first and to what limits,” he says. “It can take time and, in the end, you still may be responsible for deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. It’s indeed confusing for the consumer. While P2P platforms offer another option to rent a vehicle, each consumer has differing preferences and coverage needs. It’s always recommended to talk with your insurance advisor to ensure those needs are met.”
Talk to Your ERIE Agent
One of the best ways to protect yourself against confusing situations arising from P2P claims is to talk to your Erie Insurance agent about your coverage before you rent.
Your local ERIE agent will review your policy and work with you to determine the best coverage for your needs. Discover great rates from local people who care. Get a free quote now.
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of January 2024 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.
Posted on 3 March 2024 | 9:00 pm